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CLT → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the Atlantic coastline and the potential to spot the Kennedy Space Center on the descent into Orlando.
Charlotte Skyline
Aerial view of Uptown Charlotte shortly after takeoff depending on the runway configuration.
Coastal Barrier Islands
Panoramic views of the winding inlets and sandy shores of the South Carolina and Georgia coast.
Savannah River
The winding river separating South Carolina and Georgia as it flows into the Atlantic.
Kennedy Space Center
On clear days during the descent, look east to see the massive VAB building and launch pads.
Atlantic Horizon
The vast deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean provides a striking contrast to the Florida coastline.
Book the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. This side is ideal for spotting the unique geography of the Sea Islands. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing to catch the Space Coast landmarks.
Piedmont National Forests
Dense canopies of green stretching across the Carolinas and northern Georgia.
Jacksonville Cityscape
A view of the inland bridges and downtown skyscrapers of Florida's most populous city.
Central Florida Lakes
Hundreds of small, circular lakes characteristic of the Orlando region's karst topography.
Orlando Theme Parks
Distant views of major landmarks like the Spaceship Earth ball or the Tower of Terror depending on the flight path.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to keep the sun at your back. It offers a great perspective of the inland Florida landscape and the numerous lakes surrounding the MCO airport. If landing from the north, look out for the urban sprawl of the Greater Orlando area.
Distance: 755 km (469 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 16 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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